WNBA All-Star Weekend Approaches: Top Rookies Ranked

WNBA All-Star Weekend is nearly here, which raises the question: who are the all-time best WNBA rookies? As we take a closer look at this year’s standout players, the top draft picks—Aji Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2), and Awa Pham (No. 3)—have all been making a notable impact. Still, there are some unexpected players emerging among the top performers. It’s quite the fascinating situation as we hit the mid-season mark.

1. Olivia Miles – Minnesota Lynx

Olivia Miles has truly been a sensation. As the No. 2 overall pick, she’s positioned herself as a legitimate MVP candidate and is a crucial factor in the Lynx’s impressive performance this season. Averaging 19.6 points with an impressive 50.1 percent shooting percentage, including 36.2 percent from three-point range, she also contributes six assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. This makes her the only player in WNBA history to achieve these numbers in a single season.

2. Aji Fudd – Dallas Wings

Aji Fudd was drafted ahead of Olivia Miles, so it’s a bit easy for her success to fly under the radar. Nevertheless, she’s having an admirable rookie season with the Dallas Wings. Teaming up with her former UW backcourt mate, Paige Bakkers, Fudd has emerged as one of the team’s key defenders. She’s averaging 13.5 points, shooting 45.2 percent from the field, and 38.8 percent from the three-point line.

3. Awa Pham – Seattle Storm

Awa Pham had a standout performance in her 20th year with the Storm, sharing the frontcourt with Dominic Malonga, creating a strong duo. Pham’s averages of 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game lead all rookies. Additionally, she’s been shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc on four attempts, which is pretty commendable.

4. Sidney Taylor – Chicago Sky

Sidney Taylor has been a shining star in what has been a challenging season for the Chicago Sky. Despite going undrafted, she’s managed to prove herself as one of the top rookies of her class. Currently, Taylor ranks as the third-leading scorer among rookies, averaging 13.5 points per game off 45.2 percent shooting and 33.1 percent from three. What really stands out is that she’s done this in just 19.8 minutes per game, which is quite impressive.

5. Fraugei Johnson – Seattle Storm

Fraugei Johnson, initially picked seventh by the Golden State Valkyries, faced a rocky start after being traded for Marta Suarez and later waived. This trade decision could haunt the Valkyries, especially as Johnson has started to find his footing. Now with the Storm, he’s become a pivotal player in the team’s young core, averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. A notable highlight came in a recent game against the Lynx where he scored 26 points on 7-of-11 shooting, marking a significant performance.